Uber has inked a new multi-year deal with Chinese tech giant Baidu to deploy thousands of Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxis on Uber’s platform outside the U.S. and China. The rollout targets markets in Asia and the Middle East starting later this year.
The partnership means riders may see the option to take fully driverless rides with Apollo Go vehicles, though initially, they won’t be able to specifically request Baidu AVs through Uber’s app.
This move follows a spree of recent AV deals for Uber. It has teamed up with Waymo, Volkswagen, May Mobility, and Pony AI to add robotaxis across various cities globally. Uber’s also investing in some of these companies, like the $100 million boost into China’s WeRide announced in May. Reports say Uber’s considering backing its founder Travis Kalanick in a Pony AI takeover. 
For now, Uber’s Baidu ride option will be an “option” presented to riders, similar to how some existing AV partnerships function.
Baidu and Uber made the announcement official here.
